What’s Up? Weekly (May 19 – May 23, 2014)

Wondering what’s up around Austin this week? Here are some of the exciting events featured our Free Fun Calendar!

Monday

Baby Bloomers – Monday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. This week’s activities will focus on food as children age 0-3 and their families explore the sense of taste. Participants will talk about tastes, explore some food-centered science, and enjoy stories about favorite foods. Foodie Kids will be in the Kitchen Lab for a hands-on cooking demo utilizing fresh seasonal produce and hearty whole grains to make Tortilla Sushi Rolls. Plus, music from The Que Pastas. Cost: Members $2.50 each / Non-Members $4.50 each. All people attending, regardless of age, must purchase a ticket. Purchase a ticket online as limited walk-up tickets will be available. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.

Mr. Will’s Music Class for Kids – Monday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m. Mr. Will sings classic and original songs just for kids. Check him out upstairs in the Buzz. FREE! Whole Foods Bee Cave, 12601 Hill Country Blvd, Austin.

Zumbini Story Time – Monday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m. For kids age 0-3 years. Develop your child’s pre-literacy skills in this 30 minute magical musical event. In this story time, participants will explore an age-appropriate book and then sing, dance, and play to build a foundation for a life-long love of the arts. Kiddos and their caregivers will enjoy this bonding and socializing time in a safe atmosphere. FREE but pre-registration is required. The Rhythm Studio, 12129 Ranch Rd 620 North, Ste 310, Austin.

Storytime and Crafts – Tuesday, May 20 at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a new story each week, followed by crafts related to the story. Juice and snacks will be provided for guests ages 2-5. Parental supervision is requested. FREE! Whole Foods Domain, Mezzanine, 11920 Domain Dr, Austin 78758

Armstrong Community School Storytime – Tuesday, May 20 at 10:30 a.m. Come sing songs with Walter Tragert, one of the talented Early Childhood Development faculty members from the Armstrong Community School. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.

Music with Mr. Will – Tuesday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. Rock out with local children’s singer, “Mr. Will” Dupuy. FREE! Brilliant Sky Toys & Books, The Village at West Lake, 701 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite D-480.

Lego Lab – Tuesday, May 20 at 3:30 p.m. (Windsor Park) and at 5:00 p.m. (Manchaca Road) With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. FREE! Recommended for ages 5 and up. APL – Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr, Austin. APL – Manchaca Road Branch, 5500 Manchaca Rd, Austin.

PJ Story Time and Stuffed Animal Sleepover – Tuesday, May 20 at 6:15 p.m. Bring your favorite furry friend or doll to the library for PJ Story Time (or anytime on May 20th), then tuck them in and say good night. Pick up your friend between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. the next day and find out about their wild night at the library. FREE! Lake Travis Community Library, 1938 Lohmans Crossing, Austin.

KinderDance Demo Class – Wednesday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. (ages 2-3) and 11:30 a.m. (ages 3-5). Siblings of mixed age are welcome to join either class. Children will have fun and gain a love for learning by associating it with something that comes naturally — movement, music, dance, and fitness. FREE! Rattan Creek Community Center, 7617 Elkhorn Mountain Trail, Austin.

Tiny Tails to You Storytime – Wednesday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. Friends from Tiny Tails to You will be reading stories and introducing some of the cutest, softest, most adorable little creatures in Austin. What a wonderful way to make new friends. FREE! BookPeople, 603 N Lamar, Austin.

Music Bats Class with Gene from The Que Pastas – Wednesday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. Based on the idea that music makes every day a little better, The Music Bats encourages young children and their caregivers to spread their wings through music and play. Through singalongs, dancing and hands-on time with instruments and props, Music Bats wants kids and their families to learn one thing in the class: music=fun. FREE! ($10 suggested donation per family.) Toybrary Austin, 7817 Rockwood, Suite 101, Austin.

Dougherty ARTSreach Presents Mr. Pusskins– Wednesday, May 21 at 11:00 a.m. The Dougherty Arts School in cooperation with the Austin Public Library Presents a theatrical production of the children’s book Mr. Pusskins by Sam Lloyd. Join the fun as Mr. Pusskins, a cantankerous and cranky old cat, runs away from his owner to make it on his own. Little does he realize just how much he will miss his owner, Emily. FREE! APL – Pleasant Hill Branch, 211 E William Cannon Dr, Austin.

Paint Me a Story (Georgetown) – Wednesday, May 21 at 11:00 a.m. Community storytelling and art lesson with Miss Melanie and Honey! Ideal for Pre-Schoolers and their caregivers. FREE! All Things Kids in Georgetown, 703 S Main St, Georgetown.

Yoga in the Park – Wednesday, May 21 at Noon. Yoga Yoga is proud to offer an all level Hatha Yoga class to participants at Yoga in the Park. Please bring your own yoga mat to class. FREE! Republic Square Park, 422 Guadalupe, Austin.

Reading Dog – Wednesday, May 21 at 4:30 p.m. Handler Holly with Dog Chula will be at Laura’s Library to read with kiddoes or visit with them. Pre-readers and readers are welcome. No registration is required. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.

Community Night – Wednesday, May 21 from 5-8:00 p.m. At the Thinkery, science and families play side by side. Every Wednesday the Museum stays open late for families to discover new ideas and learn together. Cost: Admission is by donation only, with a suggested $1 dollar donation. The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Ave, Austin.

Family Movie Night: Tangled – Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. The magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is. FREE! APL – University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln, Austin.

Strike Out Hunger with the Round Rock Express (Round Rock) – Wednesday, May 21 at 7:05 p.m. Help Strike Out Hunger with the Capital Area Food Bank by bringing two H-E-B branded canned goods in exchange for a FREE lawn ticket to watch the Express take on the Iowa Cubs. Dell Diamond, 3400 Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock.

Fairytale Threads Children’s Consignment Sale – Thursday, May 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. With the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to stock up on summer duds for the kids. There will be maternity clothing, baby gear and toys, and clothing in sizes newborn to children’s 16. You can also find strollers, highchairs, baby and children’s furniture, books, games, videos, and more. FREE! Austin Sports Center, 425 Woodward St, Austin.

Dougherty ARTSreach Presents Mr. Pusskins – Wednesday, May 22 at 10:15 a.m. The Dougherty Arts School in cooperation with the Austin Public Library Presents a theatrical production of the children’s book Mr. Pusskins by Sam Lloyd. Join the fun as Mr. Pusskins, a cantankerous and cranky old cat, runs away from his owner to make it on his own. Little does he realize just how much he will miss his owner, Emily. FREE! APL – Cepeda Branch, 651 N Pleasant Valley Rd, Austin.

Explorers Club: Kids Kitchen (Cedar Park) – Thursday, May 22 at 3:30 p.m. Each Thursday, kids in grades K-5 meet to explore a set of rotating programs. This week it’s a food demo featuring two or three recipes that are nutritious, colorful, and fun to make. The audience will be involved by answering questions, helping with reading the recipe, and more. FREE! Cedar Park Library, 550 Discovery Blvd, Cedar Park.

Story Crafternoon: Sand Art Bugs (Pflugerville) – Thursday, May 22 at 3:30 p.m. Children listen to a story and make and take a craft. For children in grades K-5. FREE! Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 W Pflugerville St, Pflugerville.

Lego Lab – Thursday, May 22 at 4:00 p.m. With LEGO, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with LEGOs provided by the Library. FREE! Recommended for ages 5 and up. APL – University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln, Austin.

Music on Main Street: Warren Hood Trio – (Round Rock) – Thursday, May 22 from 6-8:00 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and the entire family to hear roots music from the Warren Hood Trio. Visit the variety of dining options on Main Street or pack a picnic basket to enjoy the evening of fun and music. FREE! Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St, Round Rock.

Mamma Jamma Kick-Off Party – Thursday, May 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Texas Mamma Jamma Ride is an annual bike ride that raises funds to make sure everyone in Central Texas can get the care and support they need to face breast cancer. The kick-off celebration will feature cocktails, beer, and other beverages; delicious desserts; prizes; music; raffle; and more. Bring your friends to learn more about the Mamma Jamma, get discounted registration and enjoy an awesome party. Family-friendly and FREE! Sawyer Hall, 1320 E 51st St, Austin.

Live Music at Central Market North – Thursday, May 22 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. The Lost Pines’ music is truly an original blend of heart-wrenching high lonesome and toe-tappin’ Texas country, complete with tight harmonies and searing mandolin, fiddle, guitar and banjo. FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.

Something for Nothing Presents Shakespeare’s Hamlet – Thursday, May 22 at 8:00 p.m. Shake out your picnic blankets for a night of Shakespeare under the stars! Something for Nothing Theater will perform Hamlet with minimal props, costumes, and lighting, focusing on storytelling and the rich language of Shakespeare. Performed by a cast of 9 actors, featuring Jon Cook as Hamlet, Hamlet concludes at a brisk two hours. FREE! Ramsey Park, 4301 N Rosedale Ave, Austin.

Free Shakespeare in the Park: As You Like It – Thursday, May 22 at 8:00 p.m. In celebration of its 30th Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park, Austin Shakespeare will bring new actors and company alumni together in a RenFaire-style production of As You Like It. Audience in costume welcomed. FREE! Zilker Hillside Theater,‎ 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.

Unplugged at the Grove – Thursday, May 22 at 8:00 p.m. This year marks the 21st Anniversary of KGSR’s Unplugged at the Grove. Bring the family down to hear Austin’s own Bob Schneider. FREE! Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.

Friday

Yoga Story Time – Friday, May 23 at 9:30 a.m. Join us for a Story Time Yoga adventure every Friday at 9:30! We will stretch, read and breathe. All ages are welcome. FREE! The Little Yoga House, 1211 Parkway, Austin.

Interactive Story Time (Round Rock) – Friday, May 23 at 9:30 a.m. (0-18 months) and 10:30 a.m. (19 months – 4 years). Interactive story time gets little ones moving. From hopping around to one story to using scarves to animate another, everyone has a great time. FREE! BabyEarth, 106 E Old Settlers Blvd, Ste D100, Round Rock.

Fairytale Threads Children’s Consignment Sale – Friday, May 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. With the weather warming up, now is the perfect time to stock up on summer duds for the kids. There will be maternity clothing, baby gear and toys, and clothing in sizes newborn to children’s 16. You can also find strollers, highchairs, baby and children’s furniture, books, games, videos, and more. All items marked “reduce” will be 25% off! FREE! Austin Sports Center, 425 Woodward St, Austin.

Mom and Me Yoga – Friday, May 23 at 10:30 a.m. This yoga class is designed for a parent and children (ages 3+ only). Taught by Sat Nam Kaur from Yoga Yoga. FREE! Laura’s Library, 9411 Bee Cave Rd, Austin.

Teddy Bear Picnic – Friday, May 23 at 11:00 a.m. Never fear–this event will be inside! Pack a picnic and have your child bring his or her favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal for a special teddy bear story time, a song, and treat. FREE! Toybrary Austin, 7817 Rockwood, Suite 101, Austin.

Reading Dog – Friday, May 23 at 3:30 p.m. Handler Neel and Dog Joey will read with kiddos or visit with them. Pre-readers and readers are welcome. FREE! Westbank Library, 1309 Westbank Dr, Austin.East End 4th Friday – Friday, May 23 from 5-9:00 p.m. The East End IBIZ District combines a mix of rich cultural history with newer locally owned businesses, leading it to become one of Austin’s most attractive destinations. Come out and support your local businesses. The entire family can wander the streets while stopping to enjoy a variety of happy hours, music, shopping, and more. Many businesses will be offering special promotions, sales, deals, discounts, and even FREE goodies for attendees. East End IBIZ District, E 11th St & Rosewood Ave, Austin.

Live Music at Central Market North – Friday, May 23 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Djembabes all-women West-African style percussion ensemble is a journey through a magical drum song landscape. Their heartfelt and soul-pounding performances get the whole deck dancing. True family fun! FREE! Central Market, 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin.

Live Music at Central Market Westgate – Friday, May 23 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Charles Thibodeaux and The Austin Cajun Aces have that authentic Cajun dance sound that represents the The Joy of Life –Les Joie de Vivre. FREE! Central Market Westgate, 4477 S Lamar Blvd, Austin.

Planet Music: Middle Eastern – Friday, May 23 at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy the May edition of Planet Music, a Middle Eastern-themed event featuring live music by the 1001 Nights Orchestra and dance performances and lessons by Ravaan Persian Dancers and Austin International Folk Dancers. The first half will be a concert medley of Middle Eastern music. The second half will feature a fun, interactive “Beats Class” in between a combination of Middle Eastern and Balkan songs. Family friendly and FREE! Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.

Movies in the Park: Despicable Me 2 (Leander) – Friday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. Often described as a combination of state-of-the-art technology and the nostalgia of the 1950s drive-in, the Movies in the Park series provides families the opportunity to spend time together under the stars while enjoying first run movies. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic dinner. Concessions are also available. FREE! Robin Bledsoe Park, 601 S Bagdad Rd, Leander.

Friday Night Films: Meatballs – Friday, May 23 at 8:00 p.m. Alamo Drafthouse presents Meatballs on the lawn at South Shore District. Rated PG. Dinner and snacks will be available for purchase from some of Austin’s favorite food trailers. FREE! South Shore District, 1333 Shore District Dr, Austin.

Something for Nothing Presents Shakespeare’s Hamlet– Friday, May 23 at 8:00 p.m. Shake out your picnic blankets for a night of Shakespeare under the stars! Something for Nothing Theater will perform Hamlet with minimal props, costumes, and lighting, focusing on storytelling and the rich language of Shakespeare. Performed by a cast of 9 actors, featuring Jon Cook as Hamlet, Hamlet concludes at a brisk two hours. FREE! Ramsey Park, 4301 N Rosedale Ave, Austin.

Free Shakespeare in the Park: As You Like It – Friday, May 23 at 8:00 p.m. In celebration of its 30th Free Shakespeare in Zilker Park, Austin Shakespeare will bring new actors and company alumni together in a RenFaire-style production of As You Like It. Audience in costume welcomed. FREE! Zilker Hillside Theater,‎ 2201 Barton Springs Rd, Austin.

Movie In The Park: Pee Wee’s Big Adventure – Friday, May 23 at 8:30 p.m. Remember the old drive-in movies on the big screen? Well, Dittmar Recreation Center is having a “flashback.” This is an opportunity to enjoy Pee Wee’s Big Adventure on the big screen, in the middle of the park. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks. Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Family friendly and FREE! Dittmar Recreation Center, 1009 W Dittmar Rd, Austin.

In her life before kids, Emily held jobs as a zookeeper, a middle school teacher, and a tour bus driver in the wilds of Montana–not one of which prepared her for the adventures of motherhood. Now she’s living the good life in Austin with her husband, two sons and a Great Dane. When she’s not off gallivanting with her boys, you might find Emily baking up a mean batch of cupcakes, recalling obscure 80s song lyrics, or dreaming of peace and quiet.